Russia deploys new symbol-marked equipment in major Ukraine push

The Russians have repeatedly posted on social media recordings depicting subsequent transports of tanks and other armored vehicles to the front. Usually, however, the trains carrying the weapons contained a dozen or so machines – this was the case with the vintage T-62s sent to fight in March this year and numerous transports of the latest T-90M Proryv.

Now, the Russian Federation plans to "flood" Ukraine with another supply of military machines – the latest support batch is different from the others for several reasons. First, various types of machines can be seen on the train: trucks, smaller armored vehicles, medical vehicles, a tank, and even technical equipment for building bridges. It's a broad cross-section of Russian military equipment.

Another significant aspect is the number of vehicles being transported. The recording shows at least 35 cars for various purposes. The last important detail is their markings. Each of them has a new symbol that was first noticed in the ranks of the Russian Federation at the beginning of May this year. This is a sign of a crossed-out rhombus, which has replaced the previously used letter "Z" on equipment participating in the conflict with Ukraine. Gathering various machines with the same new marking may indicate plans to use the equipment in a coordinated action, such as for launching a massive offensive.

Among all the machines heading towards Ukraine from the Russian city of Yefremov (Tula region), where the train was spotted, only one tank is visible in the recording. This is a T-62M, an upgraded model compared to its predecessor (T-62), with enhanced armor due to additional composites placed on the front part of the hull and turret.

The T-62M also features new tracks borrowed from the T-72. Combined with a new 600 hp engine, they were intended to increase the mobility of the design. However, due to the enhanced armor of the tank, its weight also increased, so the modernized T-62M did not stand out in this regard compared to the basic T-62.

The other machines visible on the train include many trucks, such as the Ural-4320. These versatile constructions can carry up to 30 people or loads weighing up to 11,000 pounds. The absence of a significant number of tanks and equipment primarily intended for attacking the opponent, coupled with the presence of technical equipment (such as for building bridges), suggests that the Russians may be planning to deploy infantry to the front and prepare the necessary infrastructure to start operations.